Awake, O Sleeper | Ephesians 5:14

April 6, 2016April 4, 2016

When Ruth Met Boaz

The journey on this earth is one of waiting and hoping. The sovereignty of God is something to cling to in the waiting. We have assurance because our God is sovereign. It’s like the old hymn goes, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” Because we have Him, we have assurance. Parts of our waiting have to do with waiting for the Lord to act for us here, waiting for vision to see His sovereignty in life’s circumstances, or waiting for things to play out beautifully in His time. We wonder if all things will line up for the best end result. So much wondering. So much waiting. And then things happen.

Ruth’s story is a beautiful one. Here’s a bit of background. (For a more extensive summary of Ruth, check out this post: The Bible | Part 8!) Ruth was a Moabite woman married to an Israelite man, which was quite a big deal. Not much is said about her married life to this man, but before reading much into the book of Ruth, we find out that her husband dies about 10 years after they were married. Ruth had made a commitment to her husband, but when he died, she had the option to go on with her life, which many would have chosen to do. But instead of leaving her mother-in-law who was a widow and now childless, Ruth stayed with her and remained faithful to her.

As time passed, Ruth also took the responsibility of providing for her mother-in-law. Ruth was a remarkable woman, to say the least; she acted out her love for her mother-in-law. At the time, portions of land were to remain not yet gleaned so that the poor would have provisions from the harvest. So, thats’s what Ruth did. She proposed to her mother-in-law that she would go and glean the leftovers in a field to bring back what was needed.

So she departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. | Ruth 2:3

Ruth happened to go to Boaz’s field. Boaz was Ruth’s father-in-law’s cousin. He was one of the few people who had the power to redeem Ruth and her mother-in-law from their sad state. Later on in the book, we find out that he was THE one to redeem Ruth. Ruth didn’t know that, but God did.

She happened to go to Boaz’s field. In other words – this was the furthest thing from a coincidence or a random happening. This was planned. This was perfect. Ruth happened to be just where she needed to be, to be found by just who needed to find her.

And notice, Boaz was in his hometown, but comes from there and takes notice of Ruth in a different land than his own. He asks the other workers who she was. And they tell him just who she is. She didn’t have to say one word about herself. She didn’t have to sell herself. She didn’t have to get all dolled up and put on an act. She remained faithful to the task at hand and there Boaz found her. He took notice of her. Not the other way around. Sure, maybe the Bible doesn’t give us an explicit guideline of “how to get married.” But Ruth and Boaz seem to be a great example of how it should be done. It’s not just Ruth’s actions that set her apart, but rather her outstanding character. Her very nature was one of love and faithfulness.

For all my sisters out there wondering when their Boaz will come around, be encouraged. Be as Ruth was – selfless, faithful, humble, obedient, thankful – assured that her actions today would result in the best. Be a woman who wants only what will bring God the greatest glory.

Be assured that the things happening, as you’ve committed your heart and way to the Lord, are under His control. He is a faithful and wonder-working God. His plan is intricate and He cares for each detail. His plan always leaves us in awe of Him. Ruth’s story didn’t end in happily ever after with Boaz, no. Her story is still going. Generations and generations pass and our very own Jesus, who comes from the earthly line of Ruth and Boaz, continues to save souls that all may know Him.